Planning a trip to the vibrant land of temples, jungles and tropical coastline known as Cambodia? Then you’ll be glad to know about the convenient Cambodia Tourist eVisa an electronic visa designed to simplify your journey. Below I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what it is, how to apply, eligibility, validity, extensions, and some travel‑tips drawn from real traveler experiences. Consider this your friendly, human‑traveler’s guide to visiting Cambodia.
What is the Cambodia Tourist eVisa?
If you’re heading to Cambodia for tourism (sight‑seeing, relaxing, exploring) rather than business or work, the Tourist eVisa is the perfect fit. Issued by the government of Cambodia, it allows you to apply for your visa online, before you travel, instead of obtaining it upon arrival.
According to the official portal (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia) you can apply online for a “Tourist” (Type T) visa.
Here are the main features:
Single entry only (you enter Cambodia once, with this visa).
Maximum stay in Cambodia: 30 days for tourist purposes.
Validity: Often the eVisa must be used (i.e., you must enter Cambodia) within 3 months (90 days) from date of issue.
You apply, pay fee, receive an approval email (PDF) and show it at immigration when arriving.
In short: it’s a hassle‑reduced, online way to get your visa ahead of time — and you’ll save yourself some on‑arrival uncertainty.
Who is eligible to apply for the Cambodia eVisa?
Good news: many travellers from around the world are eligible for the Cambodia Tourist eVisa. Here’s what to check:
You must be a citizen of a country eligible to apply online. While the full list was on the official portal, the key takeaway is most non‑ASEAN countries qualify.
Your passport must generally have 6 months' validity remaining from your intended arrival date in Cambodia.
You should have a valid digital passport‑size photograph and a scan of your passport data page.
You must be traveling for tourism (not employment or long‑term residence) since this is a Tourist eVisa.
If you’re under 18, you can still apply, but ensure a parent/guardian fills the form on your behalf.
So, if you’re an Indian traveller, UK traveller, American… chances are you’re eligible. But always check the latest list of eligible nationalities on the official eVisa website for Cambodia before you apply.
How do I apply for the Cambodia eVisa online?
Here’s a friendly step‑by‑step of how you’d go about apply for Cambodia eVisa based on what travellers have reported plus the official process.
Step 1: Fill in the online application
Enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, arrival date, point of entry, etc.
Upload your passport data page scan and a recent colour photo in the required format.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your arrival date.
Step 2: Make the payment
Pay the required fee via credit/debit card or other supported payment methods. The official portal supports Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, Alipay, etc.
Step 3: Receive your eVisa approval
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the eVisa certificate via email (PDF). Print at least one copy to carry with you — while digital versions may be accepted, having a printed copy is safer.
Step 4: Travel and present the eVisa at immigration
On arrival in Cambodia at the designated port of entry, present your passport + printed eVisa approval (along with your arrival card if required). The immigration officer stamps you in, and you’re good to go.
Pro‑tips to make it smooth:
Apply at least a week in advance (ideally 3–5 business days) to avoid rush/internet issues.
Double‑check all your data (name spelling, passport number, arrival date) — mistakes are a common cause of delays.
Use a reliable internet connection and valid payment card that allows international transactions. Some travellers have flagged payment issues.
Print at least two copies of the eVisa approval: one for arrival, one for your records.
Have proof of onward travel or accommodation possibly handy — while not always asked, immigration may request details.
What is the processing time for the eVisa?
Great question — because one of the major advantages of the Cambodia Tourist eVisa is speed.
According to the official site:
Cambodia eVisa Processing time: typically 3-5 business days for Tourist eVisa (Type T).
Some agencies or premium services say approvals can happen within 24 hours or next business day, depending on completeness of application.
However, it’s wise to allow a little buffer because:
The portal may slow down in holiday periods or peak travel seasons.
If your application has incomplete or incorrect details, it may trigger further review/queries.
The “3 business days” typically means working days (Monday‑Friday) and excludes weekends/holidays.
So: if you apply say 1–2 weeks ahead, you’ll almost always receive it in time. Don’t leave it to the very last minute though, especially if you have a fixed arrival date.
Can I extend the stay if I have a Cambodia eVisa?
Yes — but with some caveats.
With the Tourist eVisa, you are allowed to stay up to 30 days in Cambodia under that visa. After that period you must leave the country or seek a Cambodia eVisa extension. According to sources:
Extensions inside Cambodia are typically possible. For instance, travellers using an eVisa report they can extend for an additional 30 days via immigration in Phnom Penh.
The official “Terms & Conditions” indicate that extensions for Tourist eVisa may not always be guaranteed and you should approach immigration in advance of expiry.
My personal take: If you think you may stay longer than 30 days, plan in advance. Visit the immigration office (in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap) before your original 30 day stay ends, and ask about extension terms, fees, documents. Bringing copies of your passport, eVisa approval, proof of accommodation/financials will help.
If your purpose is longer, you might consider a different visa category (business, long‑stay) rather than the Tourist eVisa.
How quickly can I get a Cambodia eVisa?
In the best case: within 24 hours (depending on completeness of application). Many travellers report very swift approval if everything is correct. Agent‑sites say “on average within 18 hours” in some cases.
In the majority of cases: within 2‑3 business days. Officially the portal states “3 business days”.
Worst case (if something is off, or you applied very near your arrival date): It may take up to 4‑7 business days or more. Some non‑official agency pages mention “4–7 business days if application submitted close to arrival date”.
Bottom line: For peace of mind, apply at least 5 business days before your travel. If you’re pressed for time, many report success with 1‑2 day turnaround — but there is always a risk.
What happens if my Cambodia eVisa is rejected or delayed?
Although rejections are quite rare if you meet all requirements and apply correctly, it can happen — and delays are always possible. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it.
Causes of rejection or delay
Passport validity less than 6 months.
Incorrect or mismatched name, passport number, arrival date.
Payment failure or fraudulent/invalid payment method.
Non‑eligible nationality (rare, if you check eligibility).
Missing required photograph or incorrect format.
Application submitted too close to arrival date and portal flags it for manual review.
If your application is delayed
Check your email (including spam folder) for any correspondence from the eVisa portal.
Use the “check status” tool (if available) on the portal.
Contact the eVisa support (email/phone) listed on the official site.
If your arrival date is looming and the eVisa still not granted, as a fallback you could consider obtaining a visa on arrival at a Cambodian airport — but note this may involve queues, extra cost, and uncertainty.
If your application is rejected
You’ll need to re‑apply (correcting whatever issue led to rejection).
Re‑apply well ahead of your travel date (ideally with more buffer days).
In practice, many users report high approval rates if form is filled correctly. For example one site claims 99% approval rate.
If you still face rejection and your departure date is near, consider contacting your nearest Cambodian embassy/consulate to seek a conventional visa solution.
Importantly: having an approved eVisa does not guarantee entry into Cambodia. The final decision rests with immigration officers at the border. The official terms state:
“Merely getting an e‑Visa does not make an applicant eligible to gain access … The immigration officers … have the discretion of not allowing certain people to enter Cambodia.”
So always travel with proper documents, itinerary, return ticket, and accommodation proof to support your case.
What is the validity of the eVisa, and how long can I stay in Cambodia
Let’s break this down into two parts: validity of entry, and length of stay.
Validity (for entry)
After issue, your Cambodia Tourist eVisa is typically valid for 3 months (90 days) within which you must enter Cambodia.
Note: The validity refers to the date by which you must arrive — not the date by which you must leave.
Length of stay inside Cambodia
Once you arrive, you are permitted to stay up to 30 days on the Tourist eVisa.
If you stay beyond 30 days without extension, you may be subject to fines, immigration issues, or forced to exit.
If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to either extend (see earlier section) or use a different visa type.
Example scenario
Applicant gets eVisa approved on January 1. They then have until March 31 (approx) to enter Cambodia. Upon entry (say February 15) they can stay up to 30 days (until about March 17) unless they apply for an extension.
Tip for Indian travellers (or from other countries)
If you are traveling from India and plan a 3‑4 week stay: apply for eVisa, arrive early in your validity window, stay roughly 3–4 weeks, and exit. If you may stay much longer (say 6–8 weeks), plan ahead to extend before you hit the 30‑day limit or consider a different visa.
Travel Tips
Here are friendly traveller‑tips to make your Cambodia trip smoother, especially as you navigate the visa side of things:
1. Apply early, but not too early. Ideally apply 1 week to 3 weeks before departure. Too early (3 months ahead) is okay since you have up to 90 days to enter — but keep track of your arrival date in your mind.
2. Check passport validity. Many travellers run into problems because their passport has less than 6 months validity from arrival date. Make sure you renew early if needed.
3. Print multiple copies of your eVisa approval. Carry at least two physical copies (one for arrival, one for backup). Also save a digital copy on your phone.
4. Choose the right port of entry. The eVisa is valid for designated airports/border crossings. According to the official site these include:
Phnom Penh International Airport
Siem Reap International Airport
Preah Sihanouk International Airport (Sihanoukville)
Some land borders (Poipet, Bavet, etc) may allow eVisa entry — check the latest list.
If you plan to enter via a remote border crossing, confirm ahead that your eVisa will be accepted there.
5. Have proof of accommodation/return ticket. While not always required, immigration officials may ask. It’s good practice to carry your hotel/guesthouse reservation and return (or onward) flight ticket.
6. Budget for extension if needed. If you realize you’ll stay more than 30 days and wish to extend, do so before your allowed stay expires. Visiting the immigration office early is less stressful.
7. Respect the stay limit. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines, problems leaving the country, or difficulties in future trips.
8. Keep photocopies of passport pages. Besides the eVisa, carry a copy of the photo/data page of your passport. If the original gets lost or stolen, this helps you.
9. Mind your travel insurance and health. Cambodia is tropical, and though the visa is easy, ensure your travel insurance covers the duration of your stay.
10. Enjoy the country! With the visa preparations out of the way, you can focus on exploring stunning temple‑complexes (like Angkor Wat), floating villages, jungle treks, bustling Phnom Penh and idyllic beaches.
Cambodia eVisa FAQs
Here are some quick answers to common traveller questions:
Q: Can I enter Cambodia any time within the 90 days of issue?
A: Yes — you must enter Cambodia within the validity period (typically 3 months from issue). Once you enter, your 30‑day stay clock starts.
Q: If I leave Cambodia before the 30 days are up, can I use the same eVisa to re‑enter?
A: No — the Tourist eVisa is for single entry only. If you depart and re‑enter, you will need a new visa.
Q: Can children apply for the eVisa?
A: Yes — children (minors) must be included in an eVisa application or apply via a guardian. A parent or legal guardian can submit it on their behalf.
Q: What happens if my passport expires while I’m in Cambodia?
A: You must ensure your passport is valid at the time of entry. If it expires while you are inside Cambodia, that’s a risk — some immigration offices may require renewal. Best practice: ensure validity well beyond your stay.
Q: Can I convert the Tourist eVisa into a business visa or long‑term stay while inside Cambodia?
A: Generally no — the eVisa you apply for must match your travel purpose (tourism). If your purpose changes (e.g., to business, work, long‑stay), you’ll need to visit immigration or a visa agency to change your visa type. For professional or long‑stay residence you might need a different category altogether.
Q: Is the fee refundable if I cancel my trip?
A: Usually not. Many terms state once payment is made and application processed, fees are non‑refundable.
Q: I applied but haven’t got approval — what should I do?
A: Check your email (spam folder). Use the portal’s “check status” function. Contact support. If your departure date is imminent and the eVisa hasn’t been approved, you could opt for visa on arrival, but this carries risk (queues, possible higher cost, uncertainty).
Q: Are there hidden costs?
A: The official government fee is clearly listed (e.g., USD 30 for Type T) for the Tourist eVisa. Some third‑party agencies charge an extra “service fee” for assistance. Always apply via the official government website if you want to avoid extra fees.
Top comments (0)